After nearly four years supporting some of RMS’s biggest clients across hotels and holiday parks, Frankie Bonadio is taking on a new role: Sales Manager for Holiday Parks and Campgrounds. While the title may be new, Frankie’s no stranger to the realities of park life — from juggling front desk chaos to helping operators unlock the full potential of their tech. We sat down with Frankie to chat about his journey, what excites him about the parks community, and why getting the basics right (like online check-in and strong coffee) can make all the difference. 

From guest to guide: Frankie’s Australian Parks journey 

What’s your RMS journey been like so far?  

I’ve been with RMS for nearly four years now, and it's been an evolution. I started managing some of our major accounts across hotels and parks, working closely with operators to help them get the most out of the platform. Now I’ve stepped into the Sales Manager role for Holiday Parks and Campgrounds, and while it’s a new chapter, it builds on everything I’ve learned so far. I’ve always been passionate about hospitality, and RMS has let me channel that into helping businesses grow, using tech built for this industry’s realities. 

What do you love about the Australian Holiday Parks, and what drew you to this role? 

I’ve always been drawn to hospitality — it’s in my DNA. I grew up around hospitality businesses, and I’ve always wanted to bring that operational understanding into the tech space. What I’ve come to love about parks is how down-to-earth and community-driven they are. They’re fun, relaxed, family-oriented places — but behind the scenes, they’re complex businesses, and I find that mix really rewarding to work with.

Do you remember your first holiday park experience?

I do! My dad was big on road trips — he believed we should see as much of Australia as possible. So we’d hit the road and stay in caravan parks across coastal and inland spots. But we were not a camping family. My mum had a strict “no tents” policy — always a cabin with a roof! I remember racing my sister around the park, trampoline competitions, tennis matches that turned into arguments... and always trying to make friends with other kids staying there. It was structured chaos in the best way.

Which Aussie park is on your bucket list and why? 

I’d love to get out to some of the more remote regions we didn’t visit growing up — maybe the red centre, or somewhere up in the Daintree. The kind of places where you really disconnect. And while I wasn’t raised camping, I’d actually love to do it now — properly introduce my boys to the outdoors, sleep in a tent (maybe with some backup snacks and bug spray), and see what that slower, simpler kind of travel is all about. Hard to pick a favourite park though, there are too many!

What excites you most about becoming the face of Parks at RMS? 

I’m excited to represent a product I genuinely believe in, for an industry I really respect. Parks are evolving — they’re investing in tech, adapting to changing guest expectations, and growing fast. I get to be a part of that transformation, helping operators modernise without losing the character that makes their parks so special. And I’m looking forward to getting out more, meeting customers on-site, and being that familiar face people know they can call when they need support or advice.

What’s something people are surprised to learn about your job—or you? 

I think people are surprised by how much of my job is about listening. It’s not just demos and deals — it’s conversations about what’s not working, what’s slowing staff down, what guests' needs are, then working together to fix that.

People are usually surprised to hear I grew up in hospitality. I can still make a solid flat white, run a booking sheet, and carry three plates — though maybe not all at once these days. 

Straight talk from the field: Frankie’s top tips for park operators 

What’s your go-to advice for operators looking to save time during peak season? 

Automate the stuff you don’t need to touch. If it can be templated, scheduled, or triggered, let the system do the heavy lifting. Things like pre-arrival emails, contactless check-in, rate changes, and payments can save hours a week. Peak season isn’t the time to reinvent processes — it’s about staying one step ahead of chaos.

Is there a common misconception park owners have about property management software? 

Yes — that it’s only worth upgrading if something is broken. Many parks are just “making do” with older systems because they feel familiar. But they don’t realise how much easier life could be — faster check-ins, fewer manual tasks, better visibility on bookings and revenue. It’s not about reinventing the wheel; it’s about greasing it a bit so it runs smoother.

If you could share one piece of advice to help parks run smoother, what would it be? 

Get the team involved early. If you’re making a change — whether it’s a new system, new process, or new site layout — bring the frontline staff into the conversation. They’re the ones using it day to day, and they’ll spot friction points you might miss. Plus, people support what they help create. 

What’s a simple change you’ve seen that makes a big difference for parks?

Online check-in. Honestly, cutting down the front desk line at 3 p.m. on a Saturday does wonders for guest experience and staff sanity. It doesn’t sound revolutionary, but when guests can head straight to their site or cabin, it sets the tone for the whole stay. Staff get more breathing room, guests feel looked after — everyone wins. 

What’s your personal philosophy when working with customers? 

Listen first. Every park is different, and success isn’t always about selling the biggest package — it’s about solving the actual problem. I’d rather be the person they trust to give straight advice, even if it’s not the flashiest option. My job’s not just to sell the system — it’s to make sure it works for them.

Any funny or memorable moments from the field that sum up why you love what you do? 

On one site visit, a guest mistook me for the park manager and asked how to get to their cabin. I ended up walking them there, giving them directions to the local IGA, and a tip on where to get the best coffee, which I only knew because I’d just come from there myself. It was a good reminder that you help where you can in this industry. And honestly, that’s what I love about it — it’s hands-on, personal, and no two days are ever the same.

Bonus question: You’ve got a weekend off. What’s your dream park getaway—powered site or glamping? 

I’d love to say powered site — embrace the great outdoors, roast marshmallows, the whole thing. But with two little boys in tow, I will probably lean toward glamping (or at least a cabin with a decent coffee nearby). Something with nature and running water. That said, I’d love to work up to the whole camping experience one day — show the kids a bit of that unplugged, dirt-under-the-nails kind of fun I missed growing up.

Want to chat with someone who really gets park life? Catch up with Frankie: your go-to for practical tips, park stories, and how RMS can work for you.

By Frankie Bonadio
Business Development Manager – Parks & Campgrounds
7 min read